UK's Skillset launches new entrants scheme

UK training body Skillset's one-year-old Skills Investment Fund (SIF) is backing a new scheme to support film industry trainees in the craft and technical fields.

The initiative will support trainees throughout a two-year programme of training and work placements with freelance training organisation FT2. SIF has put aside $284,000 (£200,000) for the scheme over the next 12 months, and is using its commitment to attract additional European funding.

In addition, Skillset is establishing a UK-wide "Trainee Network" next year, in partnership with national and regional bodies, to provide practical career development advice and information about working in the film industry. A Code of Practice is also being developed to be used by producers and trainees working together on a production.

Skillset asks all theatrical productions, which are partially or wholly shot in the UK, to contribute 0.5% of their budget to SIF. Among recent productions that have tipped in to the fund are Paramount's Tomb Raider, Renaissance's Morality Play and Warner Bros' Harry Potter And The Sorceror's Stone. The fund now has commitments of more than $850,000 (£600,000) from producers after one year of existence.

Skillset's other activities include training for existing production accountants and Health and Safety training across all grades, particularly for construction and location managers. The organisation also plans to develop the delivery and assessment of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) across all grades.

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